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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 1989-12-22, Page 26PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1989. Ways to decorate for the festive season The fragrance of pine needles and oranges studded with cloves, the sound of bells and carols, the sight of twinkling lights, the arrival of the first greeting cards - these are a few of the many traditions Canadians associate with Christ mas. Surely no other holiday appeals to the senses in such a complete way or calls up memories of the past with such vividness. A glance at a toy store window evokes memories of Christmas past and a longing to relive the excitement of childhood. “As our lives become more hectic, the desire to recreate that warm, old fashioned Christmas for our own families has become more important,’’ says Barbara Huard, Senior product Manager for Carl ton Cards, who has some simple tips for creating a nostalgic Christ mas theme. Looking at the way some of the pioneers decorated for the season is a good source of inspiration. Records of Christmas decorating customs in 19th century Canada are rare, but Catharine Parr Traill provides one of the earliest in her book “The Canadian Settler’s Guide (1855)’’. She tells of going out to collect red-berried winter- green to hang over the mantlepiece and picture frames, and later adding high bush cranberries and her daughter’s coral beads for color. To recreate some of this early Canadian feeling, Huard suggests combining fresh greens with favor ite decorations from the past, a few homemade ones which the children will enjoy creating, and perhaps some new ones chosen to comple ment the theme. Huard recommends carrying the theme right through the house with a few of the following suggestions: •Let the tree establish the theme, then co-ordinate the door wreath, dining room centrepiece and mantel or sideboard decora tions. •Soften kitchen window frames with green garlands intertwined with pinecones and red ribbon bows. Set up a tablesized tree on a side table and trim with antique beads, gingerbread men and de corations such as a set of tiny brass musical instruments. You could even use a real pine tree, ready to plant in the garden next spring. PERSON ALIZE DISPLAYS AND WREATHS •A coffee table or mantel display of pinecones, dried flowers, greens and other natural materials tied together with a ribbon bow always looks lovely. •A decorated straw broom on a family room wall lends a country air. Attach real or artificial holly sprigs, a bright ribbon bow and perhaps a couple of tree decora tions. •Holiday wreaths are easily cre ated with dried grapevines. Make a grapevine wreath by either starting with a readymade base from a craft shop or farmers’ market, or, make your own by soaking vines in lukewarm water until supple. Bend into wreath form and secure with florists’ wire. Weave bright red or burgundy ribbon through vines. Wire on a couple of pinecones and whimsical tree ornaments - rocking horses, little Santas, toy drums - to create an old fashioned yet person al look. KISSING BALL An old fashioned kissing ball made from tiny cones and nuts, or Christmas cards, makes a lovely family room or hallway conversa tion piece. To make a unique card kissing ball from Christmas cards, cut 12 cards into three-inch circles. Fold each circle in from four sides to create a square. Glue each folded edge to the folded edge of another circle until you have a three-dimen sional ball shape. Attach ribbon with a piece of holly or mistletoe on one end, up through the ball and make a loop at the top for hanging. Sprinkle glitter along glued edges if desired. CHRISTMAS TREE - THE FOCAL POINT Of course the focal point of any Christmas home decor is the Christmas tree. According to Huard, many Canadian families today set up a traditional tree in the family room, complete with an eclectic assortment of storebought and handmade decorations, and a second miniature tree in the living room, perhaps set in a window and co-ordinated with a specific theme. Here’s some tips for Christmas trees: •Begin by making sure your tree is upright and completely secure. Be sure stand is full of water if you have a real tree and fill it each day. •Whether a real or an artificial tree is used, it’s a good idea to match it’s decor to the theme chosen for the rest of the house. Nothing achieves a more old fa shioned look than lots of colorful, traditional decorations and bright ribbon or bows. •Add garlands of fresh cranberr ies and popcorn by using a small needle and heavy thread. Alternate berries and kernels or make sep- areate ropes of each. •Use only Canadian Standards Association approved lights and look for the CSA label. Put lights on first, draping them right around the tree, working from top to bottom. Check that they are work ing properly before using and don’t bury them under other decorations in case they overheat. •Add remaining decorations with care, distributing evenly over the whole tree. Put heavier items on first making sure they are position ed on the stronger branches. Leave branch tips for ribbon or paper ornaments such as hanging lan terns and tiny fans made from color-coordinating wrap. Burgun dy, ivory and green, are colors incorporated into Carlton Cards Olde Fashioned line this year. SET A SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS TABLE “A beautiful table setting takes time to prepare,” says Huard, “so make a start the night before and aim to complete it on Christmas morning. Guests will be enchanted by the sight of it as they arrive - starched linen, gleaming glasses, silver and all.” Here are some table setting suggestions for creating that magi cal look: •What more traditional setting could there be than a snow white damask cloth set with silver and crystal, a centrepiece of holly and red candles with green and red crackers at each place? A single tree decoration tied with ribbon around each napkin can be stunn ing; decorations can double as table favors. •Use a sideboard or sturdy supplementary table to cope with extra serving dishes. Cover both it and the dining table with matching cloths and they’ll look like a pair, especially if linked with similar table decorations. •Candles create a nostalgic mood, whether slender scarlet tapers in a silver candelabra or a cluster of nightlights gathered in the centre of the table. Surround candles with a selection of Poman der (oranges studded with olives) and evergreens or small gifts and ribbon. •A charming tablecentre can be made using an old fashioned sleigh ornament or a special bowl contain ing a small gift for each diner. The presents could be as simple as a comb or mirror, or a specially chosen Christmas tree ornament. Each gift is attached to a slender ribbon which leads out of the bowl to the recipient’s place at the table. •Another lovely idea to tie a setting together is to use a white lace cloth and weave plaid ribbon around the edges like a wave. Wishing you joy in this season of seasons as we honour the birth of the King of Kings. ThankYou Friends & Neighbours GLADYS&BOB COUNTRY GARDEN FLOWERS 887-6900 or 887-6351 Brussels CHRISTMA; .HL i>RE May your holiday joys be boundless. You’ve been a joy to know and serve. CALDWELL CONSTRUCTION May the many blessings that this holiday brings embrace you and yours, now and always. Pannell R Kerr W MacGillivray Chartered Accountants LISTOWEL GODERICH WINGHAM From1 Merry Motoring! Hope you have the best Christmas (( on wheels! wr the Management & Staff at 1 / XS J- BRIDGE MOTORS Wingham 357-3460 As the holiday unfolds in all its mystery and beauty, may you experience the warmth of the season. Deanna B Staff